When should you not pick up the dog

When we reach out our hands to embrace our cute dog at home, hoping to feel its soft fur and warm body temperature, we often overlook an important fact: not every moment is a dog willing or suitable for us to pick it up. In the time spent with dogs day and night, their health and feelings always touch our hearts. Understanding when not to pick up a dog is not only based on professional knowledge of pet behavior and medicine, but also our appreciation and care for this precious emotion. Every cautious judgment is our deep love for dogs, hoping to interact with them in the right way and let them feel our care in comfort and safety.

When dogs are sick or injured, they should not be picked up casually. Sick dogs have weaker bodies, especially those with bone and joint diseases such as arthritis, fractures, etc. The act of lifting them may exacerbate their pain. Imagine that a dog's fragile joints are like fragile glass, and our unintentional lifting action is like an external force applied to the glass, which may worsen the original injury. When a dog is accidentally injured and the wound is in a sensitive state, the squeezing and friction during lifting may cause secondary injury and delay wound healing. We look at sick or injured dogs with heartache, their helpless eyes as if they are calling for help. At this moment, we should restrain the impulse to hug them, comfort them with gentle language and gentle caresses, and wait for professional veterinarians to handle them. During the transportation to the hospital, if it is necessary to move the dog, it is important to use tools such as tablets and stretchers as much as possible, and handle them carefully and smoothly to avoid causing additional pain to the dog.

Dogs in a state of fear, anxiety, or anger are also not suitable for being picked up. Dogs, like humans, experience emotional fluctuations. When they face unfamiliar environments, people, or other animals, they may develop a sense of fear; Being startled, such as sudden loud noises, can also put them in a state of anxiety. At this time, the dog's body is in a tense state and its nerves are highly sensitive. Sudden lifting movements may be seen as a threat by them, triggering defensive aggressive behavior. When dogs are angry, such as when their territory is violated or food is stolen, they are emotionally agitated and unable to make rational judgments. If they are picked up rashly, they are highly likely to be bitten. We have seen dogs curled up in corners due to fear, trembling all over, or raising their fur and growling in anger, all of which are signals to us: please keep your distance at this moment. We should respect the emotions of dogs, give them enough space, and use gentle soothing and slow approach methods to wait for their emotions to stabilize before attempting gentle interactions.

Pregnant female dogs in the later stages are also not suitable for being picked up. Pregnant female dogs have a heavy physical burden, with their abdomen gradually bulging and the fetus occupying a large amount of space inside their body. Picking up a mother dog can cause compression on its abdomen, which not only makes the mother dog uncomfortable, but may also affect the development of the fetus, and even lead to serious consequences such as premature birth and miscarriage. During the later stages of pregnancy, female dogs become more cautious and sensitive, instinctively wanting to protect their children. We watched the mother dog move cautiously, gently nurturing the little life in her belly, and our hearts were filled with emotion and respect. At this point, we can prepare a warm and comfortable delivery room for it, provide sufficient nutrition and a quiet environment, replace the act of lifting it with companionship and care, and safeguard its smooth passage through pregnancy.

If the dog has just finished vigorous exercise, it should not be immediately picked up. After intense exercise, the dog's body is in an excited state, with a faster heartbeat, rapid breathing, and increased blood circulation. Picking up a dog at this time can limit its physical activity, affect heat dissipation and breathing, and may lead to heatstroke, hypoxia, and other conditions. Just as we feel uncomfortable sitting down to rest immediately after running, dogs also need time to adjust their physical condition. We watched the dog panting and running towards us, sticking out its tongue with excitement in its eyes. We can first let it rest in place, provide it with clean drinking water, and then give it hugs and touches after its breathing is stable and its body cools down.

For larger dogs that are not accustomed to being picked up, caution should also be exercised. Some large dogs, such as Alaskan Malamute and Great Dane, have a heavy weight, and forcibly lifting them not only tests the owner's physical strength, but also makes the dog feel uneasy and uncomfortable. When dogs are picked up, they lose contact with the ground and feel insecure, especially for large dogs that have never been picked up before. Sudden movements may cause them to panic. We look at tall and powerful large dogs, although they have a huge body size, they also have delicate emotions in their hearts. We can express our love in other ways, such as taking walks, playing with them, grooming them, and letting them feel our love in familiar and comfortable interactions.

In every moment we spend with dogs, we hope to provide them with the best care. Understanding when not to pick up a dog is our deep understanding and respect for this emotion. From caution when sick or injured, to tolerance when emotions fluctuate, from special care for pregnant dogs, to patient waiting after exercise, every detail reflects our love and responsibility for dogs. When we interact with dogs in the right way and watch them live healthy and happy lives, we know that this love will continue to heat up in each other's company, becoming the warmest existence in life.